Kenya in Pool A for U20 AFCON qualifiers CECAFA zone

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Thursday, September 12, 2024
3:27 pm

Amanga Collins

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Kenya U20 has been placed in Group A of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 CECAFA qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from October 6 to 20, 2024.

The tournament will determine which teams from the CECAFA region will advance to the prestigious AFCON U-20 tournament next year.

Kenya U20 opponents

In Group A, Kenya face a tough draw alongside host nation Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Djibouti. The competition will be fierce, as all teams will be vying for a top-two finish to secure a spot in the semi-finals and a chance to represent the region on the continental stage.

Kenya U20 in a training session. PHOTO/(@Harambee__Stars)/X

Defending CECAFA champions Uganda, who won the 2022 edition in Khartoum, have been placed in Group B.

Uganda are joined by last edition’s finalists South Sudan, Burundi, and Ethiopia in what promises to be an exciting battle for qualification.

The tournament will be held at three venues in Dar es Salaam: the Azam Complex, KMC Stadium, and Major General Isamuhyo Stadium.

These venues are set to host some thrilling matches as young talent from across the region competes for a place at AFCON U-20.

The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the semi-finals. From there, the two finalists will earn the honor of representing CECAFA at the AFCON U-20 tournament in 2025.

This edition of the tournament also serves as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with the top four teams automatically securing a spot in the global event set to take place in Chile.

Nicholas Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Director, expressed excitement for the tournament, noting the high level of competition expected in Tanzania.

“We hope to have a very competitive and exciting tournament in Tanzania,” Mossi said, adding that this is a crucial opportunity for young talent to showcase their abilities on an international stage.

The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will mark the 18th edition of the biennial tournament, with teams from across Africa competing for continental glory.

The host country for the final stage of the tournament will be announced on October 10, 2024, during the CAF General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kenya U20 players during a friendly match against Tusker junior ahead of Four-Nations tourney. PHOTO/Tusker FC

Kenya will be aiming to advance to the semi-finals and secure one of the coveted spots at the AFCON U-20 tournament. Fans across the region will be eagerly awaiting the action as teams battle it out in Dar es Salaam.